George Osborne: £150 tax break for couples

TAX breaks for married couples will be unveiled in the autumn, George Osborne has confirmed

The Chancellor said he was “absolutely committed” to the measure, worth up to £150 for every couple.

In a move that is likely to please many backbench Tory MPs, Mr Osborne said yesterday that he will announce the plans in his Autumn Statement.

I’ve always committed to introducing a married couples tax break. David Cameron campaigned to be the leader of the party on that promise. I was his campaign manager

Mr Osbourne

David Cameron has come under intense pressure from many Conservatives to fulfil an election promise. He said last month that an announcement could be expected “very shortly”.

There was speculation that he was being held back not only by opposition from Lib Dem coalition partners, who oppose the plan, but also by a lack of enthusiasm from the Chancellor.

Yesterday Mr Osborne said: “I’ve always committed to introducing a married couples tax break. David Cameron campaigned to be the leader of the party on that promise. I was his campaign manager.”

Tory MP Tim Loughton, who has long campaigned on the issue, said: “It is great news to have this commitment to a firm timeline from the Chancellor himself. In initiating this modest first step at last to recognising marriage in the tax system, the Government is sending out a very strong signal that marriage and the commitment it demonstrates is good for families, children and society.”

No date has yet been set for the Autumn Statement but it is usually held in November or December.

Earlier Mr Osborne signalled that he would not raise taxes after the next election if the Tories are still in power.

He insisted his plans for billions more in savings in the next Parliament can be achieved through spending cuts.